Kid 'em it's symbolic! (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'it's symbolic' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'kid 'em' is the wordplay.
'kid' becomes 'tot' (tot is a kind of kid).
'tot'+'em'='TOTEM'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Symbolic object with ritualistic associations" , "This pole is carved and painted by N American Indians" , "Tribal symbol (maybe on pole)" , "Emblematic animal or object" , "symbol of spiritual significance" .)